For the People: Making History as the First Native Hawaiian Female Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate
Since completing her education at the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i Mānoa in 2007, Coti Haia has been on a remarkable journey, breaking barriers and redefining possibilities. Having held positions as a deputy prosecuting attorney and Senate staff member, she now serves as the chief of staff for U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), marking her as the first Native Hawaiian woman to hold this prestigious role in the United States Senate.
A Lifelong Commitment to the Native Hawaiian Community
Haia’s dedication to serving her community was evident from a young age. At just 12 years old, she witnessed a significant march to ‘Iolani Palace in 1993, commemorating the centenary of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s overthrow. This event left a profound impact on her, prompting her to consider how she could contribute to the Native Hawaiian cause.
Education and Early Career Path
Raised in Mililani and Waimānalo, summer visits to Lānai deepened Haia’s understanding of Hawaiian history, thanks to her aunt, who was a dedicated educator. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University, she returned to Hawai‘i with aspirations of attending law school. Graduating during an economic downturn, Haia secured her first legal position as a deputy prosecutor in Honolulu, a role she initially did not envision for herself. “It was certainly challenging and far from what I had planned,” she reflects.
Transitioning to Washington, D.C.
A pivotal moment in Haia’s career came with a call from a former law school professor, offering her a one-year fellowship in the office of former Senator Daniel Inouye in Washington, D.C. Although relocating to an unfamiliar city was daunting, she embraced this new chapter. “I never imagined I would find myself living and working in D.C.,” she admits.
A Decade of Service in the Nation’s Capital
Fifteen years later, Haia continues to thrive in Washington, having worked for both Senator Inouye and Senator Hirono, as well as serving as the D.C. Bureau Chief for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. In 2018, she returned to Senator Hirono’s office as the deputy chief of staff and was promoted to chief of staff in April 2022. “We engage daily with constituents from Hawai‘i who come to D.C. to advocate for issues that matter to them,” she explains, underscoring the importance of their work in addressing concerns relevant to the Native Hawaiian community.
Championing Diverse Issues
In her role, Haia focuses on fostering equity between the Native Hawaiian community and other Indigenous groups, including American Indians and Alaska Natives, especially regarding their interactions with the federal government. “We handle a broad range of issues, including transportation, housing, and various aspects of the judiciary and banking sectors,” she notes.
Confidence and Determination in Leadership
Despite being younger than many of her peers and a woman of color, Haia approaches her role with confidence. “I don’t feel intimidated. If I have questions, I ask them,” she asserts. Emphasizing the significance of their work, she maintains a lighthearted approach, often aiming to bring humor to her interactions.
Empowering the Next Generation
Haia attributes much of her confidence to her upbringing at Punahou School, which instilled in her the belief that she could achieve her goals. “I always encourage our interns by telling them they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. Never underestimate your potential,” she advises.
